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Dreaming of a star-studded tour of Hollywood’s iconic homes? From Marilyn Monroe and James Dean to Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, we’ve curated a collection of the world’s most legendary celebrity residences, steeped in cinematic history. Take a look at these hollywood homes of some of the most famous celebrities from the mid-century era!
Judy Garland, a beloved actress and singer, captivated audiences worldwide with her iconic performances in mid-20th-century musicals. In the same year she starred as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Garland purchased this charming clapboard-clad home nestled on a quiet Bel Air street. As the famous song goes, “There’s no place like home!”
Designed by Wallace Nef, an architect with a distinguished clientele that included Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Fredric March, and Charlie Chaplin, the cozy home was built shortly before Judy Garland's purchase. Located in one of Bel Air's most prestigious neighborhoods, the house would have provided convenient access to MGM Studios.
Judy Garland's former home, once listed for $11.5 million (£8.9 million), has been meticulously updated to meet modern standards while preserving much of its original 1930s charm. The two-story property features five ensuite bedrooms and six and a half baths, providing ample space for the budding starlet and her family, who lived there for several years.
The first floor's centerpiece is a spacious living room with dark hardwood floors, molded walls, large bay windows, and one of several fireplaces throughout the house. The adjoining dining room and sunroom share this elegant design, suggesting the home was intended as a showcase. Indeed, the house was featured in prominent architectural magazines like Architectural Digest at the time.
After extensive renovations, the spacious chef's kitchen now features state-of-the-art appliances and a large marble island, perfect for entertaining guests. Glass French doors open onto the backyard, which boasts a brick-lined patio, in-ground pool, expansive lawn, manicured topiary, and lush foliage, providing a private outdoor sanctuary.
The home's bedrooms are located upstairs, accessible via a sweeping curved staircase with an iron railing in the foyer, a classic Golden Age architectural detail dating back to the home's construction. Other spaces within the 5,513-square-foot (512-square-meter) property include an office, a dressing room, and several "conversation areas." There is also a small "writer's cottage" originally part of the property, which would have provided an ideal retreat for the young actress.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Frank Sinatra’s mid-century modern mansion
Silver Screen Collection / Getty Images
The ultimate American crooner, Frank Sinatra, is an iconic figure of Hollywood’s golden age. With over 150 million records sold worldwide and multiple Academy Awards under his belt, Sinatra remains one of the world’s most celebrated musicians. Built in 1949, his former home is a stunning example of Modernist architecture and once served as a hub of Hollywood’s social scene.
Known as Byrdview, this architectural marvel is one of Hollywood's most celebrated celebrity estates. Located on Farralone Avenue, it's nestled amidst the star-studded LA enclaves of Hidden Hills, Sierra Canyon, and Viewpoint. As one of LA's most glamorous retreats, it hosted the vow renewal of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, and Marilyn Monroe is rumored to have stayed in the guest house.
Byrdview has welcomed some of the most famous people of the 20th and 21st centuries. Sinatra lived here in the 1950s and 60s, hosting swinging house parties for the Rat Pack and his exclusive circle. If you're curious about the space available for such extravagant gatherings, the property spans a whopping 8,161 square feet (758 sqm), with enough room for 100 cars out front. More than enough space for an unforgettable party!
Byrdview is more than just a celebrity hotspot; it's a rare relic and a piece of architectural and art history. Designed by the legendary William Pereira in 1949, it's one of only four homes he built. The seven-bedroom house features vast expanses of floor-to-ceiling windows that embrace the outdoors, folding outwards and filling the home with natural light and fresh air.
Naturally, this time capsule celebrity home offers ample space for entertaining. The house features two kitchens, including one with a bar for welcoming guests with refreshments. As an added bonus, the estate's agricultural zoning allows future tenants to cultivate their own vineyard if desired, providing the opportunity to enjoy homegrown refreshments.
Byrdview, a celebrity hotspot, has been featured in smash hits like "Dreamgirls," "Transformers," and "Mad Men." International superstars like Rihanna, Usher, and Mariah Carey have also filmed music videos at this iconic property. With its incredible views of the Californian valleys, it's no wonder Byrdview is a sought-after location. In late 2018, the home was listed for $12.5 million (£9.7m) according to Zillow, but it mysteriously disappeared from the market in 2019.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Howard Hughes’ Spanish Revival mansion
Bettmann / Contributor / Getty Images
Howard Hughes, a renowned entrepreneur, aviation pioneer, and film producer, was one of the most enigmatic and talked-about figures of the Golden Age of America. Known for his eccentric lifestyle and high-profile relationships with film stars, Hughes amassed a vast fortune and owned some truly extraordinary properties. The home he resided in during the height of his creative career was listed for sale in July 2023 for a staggering $23 million (£18 million).
Located directly on the 8th green of Wilshire Country Club in LA, California, where Hughes himself used to golf, the Hancock Park home was originally designed for a socialite by master architect Roland E. Coate in 1926. Today, the 10,179 square-foot (946 sqm) half-moon-shaped estate exudes timeless charm, retaining its wood-beamed ceilings and red clay floor tiles while incorporating contemporary style interiors.
Perhaps a nod to the Golden Age of Hollywood or Hughes' Midas touch in business, the kitchen gleams gold, featuring polished brass countertops and matching wall tiles. The kitchen seamlessly flows into a spacious family room with floor-to-ceiling fitting bookshelves, which in turn opens onto one of the home's many secluded outdoor areas.
The house even appeared in the biographical film "The Aviator," which depicted Howard Hughes. While the Spanish Revival mansion's exterior was featured in the film, the interiors were recreated in a studio setting. Leonard DiCaprio famously portrayed Hughes in the 2004 film, alongside Cate Blanchett as Katherine Hepburn. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film was hailed as "a gorgeous tribute to the Golden Age of Hollywood" and garnered 11 Oscar nominations, winning five.
In addition to eight bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, the home features a screening room and an attached guest residence. Nestled behind a tall hedge and solid electric gates, the property offers a secluded sanctuary. Suffering from lifelong Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and severe pain caused by several plane crashes, the troubled Hughes, who became reclusive later in life, is said to have found solace in this home.
Despite his immense wealth, Hughes spent his later life residing in one hotel after another, notably acquiring numerous hotels and casinos in Las Vegas. Ironically, despite surviving multiple plane crashes, the larger-than-life character died from kidney failure while onboard a Lear jet in 1976. His legacy continues through his contributions to aviation, the films he produced, and this historic home. With such a rich history, it's not surprising that the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Beverly Hills mansion
cineclassico / Alamy Stock Photo
Elizabeth Taylor, renowned for her captivating style, tumultuous marriages, and extraordinary acting career, was a true icon of the 20th-century silver screen. Following her divorce from the first of her eight husbands in the early 1950s, Taylor found love with British actor Michael Wilding. By 1954, the couple was married and had purchased their first home together in Beverly Hills.
Elizabeth Taylor later described the home as "the most beautiful home I'd ever seen" in her book, Elizabeth Taylor: An Informal Memoir. The 22-year-old actress, still reeling from her recent divorce, planned to take a break from her acting career and focus on being a wife and mother in the new house. Sadly, her domestic dream was short-lived, as she gave birth to two sons in the home.
In 1956, Elizabeth accepted a lead role in the western film Giant, opposite Rock Hudson and James Dean. Unfortunately, while on set, rumors began circulating in Hollywood about her husband hosting a parade of strippers in their family home. Within a year, the couple had divorced, and the home was sold as Elizabeth moved on to her third husband, Mike Todd.
After Elizabeth left, the property changed hands a few times over the years. In 1997, the most recent occupant hired architect Bud Holden to expand the property by 2,000 square feet (186 sqm). The addition of numerous windows and glass doors opened up the space, maximizing the views of the terrace, gardens, patio, and city skyline from every room in the house,
In its expanded state, the 7,781 square-foot (723 sqm) home features six bedrooms, seven baths, four fireplaces, an art studio, a sauna, and a library. The hacienda-inspired property is flooded with natural light from its numerous windows and is designed to maximize indoor-outdoor living. Set on two private, gated acres (8ha), the palm-shaded property would have been the perfect sanctuary for a young family.
Listed for $15.9 million (£12.4m), Elizabeth Taylor's former family home is a far cry from the cozy domestic haven she sought as a young wife. This glamorous pad is now worthy of any contemporary star, the perfect place to entertain Hollywood's elite while lounging by the pool and gazing out at the "city of stars."
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Marilyn Monroe’s would-be forever home
Baron / Hulton Archive / Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe, a timeless icon whose fame and image transcend generations, remains one of the most recognizable public figures of all time. While celebrated for her iconic roles in films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, How to Marry a Millionaire, and Some Like It Hot, Monroe was equally renowned for her tumultuous personal life, which included high-profile relationships with Arthur Miller, Joe DiMaggio, and John F. Kennedy.
Although she enjoyed many glamorous properties throughout her career, thanks to her various roles on and off screen, it wasn't until the very end of her life that Marilyn Monroe finally had a home that was truly hers. In early 1962, just a few months before her tragic passing, Marilyn purchased a charming home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, a first for the 36-year-old actress.
The 2,644 square-foot (246 sqm) property, built in 1929, is nestled on a private half-acre, shaded by lush California greenery. With its terracotta roof tiles, whitewashed exterior, and climbing vines, the single-story home architecturally resembles a Spanish hacienda, but with a few signature Hollywood touches.
Inside, vaulted ceilings and exposed beams add to the character of the property. The living room, pictured here, features Saltillo tile floors, arched doorways, large casement windows, and a hooded fireplace with a Mexican tile surround.
Outside, the gated property features a citrus orchard, a guest house, and a shaded brick patio overlooking her famous kidney bean-shaped pool. This would have been the perfect retreat for Marilyn during the final months of her life. Above her front door, a tile arrangement reads "Cursum Perficio," a phrase that poignantly translates to "my journey is over." This inscription adds a layer of poignancy to the property, given the circumstances surrounding Marilyn's passing.
Marilyn purchased the home partially furnished for $75,000 (£58.3), with a monthly mortgage of $320 (£249). Although it's hard to imagine the glamorous starlet saddled with anything as mundane as a mortgage! The property's value has appreciated significantly since the '60s. It was last listed for $6.9 million (£5.4m) but ultimately sold in 2017 for the substantially higher sum of $7.25 million (£5.6m).
EDITOR’S CHOICE
James Dean’s Spanish-style hacienda
John Kobal Foundation / Hulton Archive / Getty Images
James Dean’s legendary acting career was tragically cut short by a car accident in 1955 at the age of 24. Despite his brief time in the spotlight, Dean’s iconic roles in Rebel Without a Cause and East of Eden left an indelible mark on cinema. His early career as a property handyman provided a unique foundation for his success. Dean’s influence extended beyond his on-screen performances, shaping the development of rock and roll in the 1950s and 60s. As a testament to his enduring legacy, Dean remains the only actor to receive two posthumous Academy Award acting nominations, for East of Eden in 1956 and Giant in 1957.
Perched on the east side of the Hollywood Hills, this beautiful Spanish-style villa on Quebec Drive was where the tragic cultural icon was first discovered and began his all-too-short career. According to People magazine, the aspiring actor lived in the downstairs ensuite guest quarters of the 4,000-square-foot house, which was originally built in 1927.
Dean worked as the live-in caretaker for the home’s owner, Hal B Wallis, head of Warner Brothers studios. Wallis was known for hosting opulent parties at the house, a stroke of luck for Dean. At one of these exclusive gatherings, frequented by acting royalty, Dean was quickly discovered by an executive who cast him in the seminal role of troublemaker Jim Stark in Rebel Without A Cause.
The property sits on an 11,600 square-foot (1,021 sqm) lot, with the guest suite where Dean lived as he launched his career located below the main house. To this day, the wing remains private quarters for visitors, offering the same luxurious amenities as the main house.
The guest suite can be accessed via a staircase that opens into lavish living quarters or through a private entrance in the garden that leads directly into Dean's old bedroom. Although modest in size compared to most A-list pads, this bedroom is a pretty impressive space for the young star to have called home before he made his millions.
The Spanish-style home has been lovingly updated over the years, blending original charm with newly renovated areas, such as this spacious living area featuring a roaring fireplace. Unsurprisingly, due to its unique historical significance, the home sold for $3.8 million (£3m) in 2018.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Lauren Bacall’s Dakota apartment
Allstar Picture Library Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo
Lauren Bacall, renowned for her beauty and prolific acting career, was a prominent figure in Hollywood’s Golden Age. She married fellow movie star Humphrey Bogart in 1945, and their union lasted until Bogart’s death in 1957. In 1961, Bacall married actor Jason Robards and purchased a new apartment at the iconic Dakota building in New York City. While her second marriage ended after eight years, her love for her Central Park West home endured throughout her life.
Since its construction in 1884, the Dakota has reigned over Manhattan's Upper West Side as a haven for movie stars, business moguls, and professional athletes. The building's iconic façade is a distinctive blend of Victorian Gothic and French Renaissance architectural styles, featuring a steeply pitched roofline, dormer windows, and intricate decorative molding.
Upon opening, the Dakota boasted a total of 65 suites, each with four to 20 rooms. The building featured eight elevators, nine floors, and no two rooms were alike, according to Apartment Therapy. Bacall purchased her nine-room apartment for $48,000 (£37k) in 1961 (the equivalent of $504.4k in today's money). However, the property recently sold for $21 million (£16.3m), a significant increase from its original list price of $26 million (£20.2m). Talk about property value appreciation!
With its three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and nearly 100 feet (30.5m) of Central Park-facing space, it's easy to understand why the home's value has skyrocketed over the last 85 years. A true relic of Gilded Age New York, the apartment boasts original 19th-century details like 13-foot (4m) ceilings, 11-foot (3m) pocket doors, hardwood flooring, detailed plaster molding, wainscoting, and shutter-framed windows.
A 70-foot (21ft) gallery runs the length of the apartment, providing access to the public rooms, which include a library, a dining room with an adjoining butler's pantry, and a living room featuring the original ornately carved fireplace and mantel. The apartment also boasts a Juliette balcony with views overlooking the treetops of Central Park.
Given its prestigious location and architectural opulence, it's no wonder that so many celebrities have lived in the Dakota. The building is one of Manhattan's most exclusive co-ops, with a notoriously selective board. Cher, Madonna, Billy Joel, Carly Simon, and even Melanie Griffith have all been rejected by the board, according to Apartment Therapy. Despite her acting career frequently taking her back to Hollywood, Bacall continued to call the Dakota home for 53 years until her death in 2014.
Cary Grant’s romantic Palm Springs hideaway
Robert Coburn Sr / Getty Images
Cary Grant, a suave and sophisticated leading man of Hollywood’s golden age, collaborated with director Alfred Hitchcock on four of his most iconic films during the 1940s and 50s. Born Archibald Leach, the son of a seamstress and tailor from Bristol, England, Grant’s meteoric rise to fame led him to accumulate a prestigious property portfolio.
In 1952, Grant purchased this Spanish farmhouse replica with his third wife, actress Betsy Drake. While their marriage ended in 1962, Grant continued to reside exclusively in the Palm Springs property until 1972. Today, the home has been designated as a Historic Class 1, the highest possible designation for a heritage property.
Built in 1927, the house is considered one of the last classic Spanish homes in Palm Springs, characterized by its steeply slanting roofline, white stucco exterior, and tiled roof. The property spans two stories, an uncommon feature for a Spanish-style home, and encompasses 6,000 square feet (557 sqm) with six bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms.
Inside, the house boasts vaulted, beamed ceilings, polished tile floors, multiple fireplaces, and a dramatic floating staircase. The open floor plan of the main living spaces would have made entertaining a breeze for the A-list couple, and the adjoining guest wing offered an additional bonus for parties lasting late into the night or even several days.
The interior design exudes warmth and elegance, featuring polished wood and terracotta tile throughout. White walls are accented by cast iron light fixtures, while built-in shelving units and window seats add character to the space. An unusual bonus feature, the property includes an art studio, perfect for unleashing your creative side.
Nestled on 1.5 lush acres (0.6ha) planted with rose bushes, mature trees, and dense palms, the house offers breathtaking mountain views. The rolling lawns lead to a tiled deck and a sparkling saline pool. It's easy to understand why Grant held onto this oasis for 20 years, and why, when it finally went on the market, the stunning home was listed for nearly $3 million (£2.3m).
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Yvette Mimieux’s Bel Air estate
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / Getty Images
Yvette Mimieux, a half-French, half-Mexican actress born in Los Angeles, began her career at the age of 17 in the 1960s, starring in The Time Machine and Where the Boys Are. These performances propelled her to stardom in the 1960s and 1970s, with multiple film appearances and three Golden Globe nominations. Mimieux retired from acting in 1992 to pursue other passions, including travel, painting, and archaeology. She also capitalized on her success with lucrative real estate ventures.
Yvette and her husband, property magnate Howard Ruby, owned "one of Bel Air's prettiest homes" for over 40 years. Their marriage lasted until Yvette's death in 2022 at the age of 80. The couple purchased the house in 1979 and maintained its exquisite Mediterranean design, likening the property to a bejewelled Fabergé egg. Once inside, you'll understand why.
Known as "Il Sogno" (which translates to "The Dream"), the property is considered one of the great "true" Bel Air estates. Dating back to 1928, the interior was inspired by the glistening villas found on Italy's Amalfi Coast. Grand and opulent, the 12,000 square-foot home features hand-painted beamed ceilings, carved stone fireplaces, green marble, and large arched windows.
The property boasts six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a ballroom-sized party room, and a formal dining room. One of the bedrooms features a dramatic domed ceiling adorned with frescoes, while the orangery is almost too grand to be true. The interiors were designed by Kalef Alaton, renowned for his work at the iconic Hotel Bel-Air. Every space is filled with antique rugs, classic paintings, and refined upholstery.
Elsewhere on the one-acre (0.4ha) estate, you'll find a four-car garage and a charming wine cellar where intimate tastings can be enjoyed. Step outside, and you'll discover spectacular grounds reminiscent of a European estate. There's a tiled swimming pool, elegant fountains, dreamy lawns, formal gardens, and specimen trees designed by David Jones, the personal florist of Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor, as claimed by the listing.
After Yvette passed away in 2022, her husband Ruby sold their longtime home for $35 million (£27.2m), which was $10 million (£7.8m) under their original asking price. Some of the beautiful furnishings were auctioned by Bonhams, including a 17th-century marble table top valued at over $38,000 (£30k).
Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer’s Colonial Estate
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Audrey Hepburn, an iconic figure of 20th-century cinema, was born in Brussels, Belgium. After moving to London and Los Angeles, she landed her breakthrough role in Roman Holiday in 1953. A lifelong advocate for humanitarian causes, Hepburn received the US Presidential Medal of Freedom for her work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Known for her elegant style, Hepburn owned beautiful homes worldwide. Her Bel Air residence, in particular, was a standout.
The Colonial Revival home on Delfern Drive, where Hepburn once lived with her first husband, actor Mel Ferrer, boasts impressive curb appeal with double wrought iron gates, double-height columns, and an intricate stone entrance way. Ferrer also starred opposite Hepburn in the movie "War and Peace" and produced her film "Wait Until Dark." He is the father of Audrey's first son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, born in June 1960.
The 7,000 square-foot (650 sqm) home's classical architecture and old-school glamour attracted previous residents like Mia Farrow, Eva Gabor, and David Niven, making it a truly elite Hollywood estate. Hepburn herself lived at the property sometime between 1954 and 1960.
Originally built in 1938, the exquisite, traditional estate stretches over 1.1 acres (0.4ha). The vast property includes the majestic main house, a guest house, staff apartment, tennis courts, manicured gardens, and a spacious pool with plenty of surrounding patio areas. Unsurprisingly, given its rich Hollywood history, the estate sold for an eye-watering $11 million (£8.6m) in 2019.
Designed by architect-to-the-stars Paul R Williams, the Holmby Hills home boasts a timeless design and expansive interior that would impress for years to come. We can imagine Audrey Hepburn lounging here, enjoying a book from the well-stocked library. Although she was one of the world's most beloved Hollywood stars, she often shied away from the spotlight, making this a perfect retreat.
The Property is now better known as The Gabor Estate, thanks to Eva Gabor’s 20-year residence. With a large swimming pool, it’s no wonder she didn’t want to move. For Audrey, however, her heart remained in the sleepy Swiss town of Tolochenaz, where she lived for 30 years. At her home “La Paisible,” she worked in her vegetable garden and enjoyed a quieter life. It was here that she passed away in 1993.
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